Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes for May 23, 2023

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The legislative session ended on a quiet note on May 12. As highlighted in my May 9 note, Missouri State University did very well regarding the final budget.  Again, we’re grateful to our supporters in the House and Senate.

This General Assembly passed a record low number of bills. None of them were related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The House added DEI language to the operating budget bills. This language was stripped as the budget worked through the Senate and failed to be re-introduced during the budget conference process between the House and Senate.

Sixty-four pieces of legislation were passed during this session; 19 were budget bills and five were concurrent resolutions that do not have the force of law like a bill.

Of the remaining 40 pieces of legislation, 33 were Senate bills (meaning they originated in the Senate) and seven were House bills.

An early priority established by Gov. Parson and the General Assembly was to address certain transgender issues. The General Assembly passed SB 39 banning gender transition treatments and surgeries on minors and SB 49 prohibiting students from participating in athletic contests using a sex other than the sex stated on their birth certificate.

The General Assembly did not pass legislation addressing many topics like critical race theory, DEI policies and practices, or environmental/social/governance policies and practices in investment and procurement. We expect these issues to reappear next year accompanied by a more cohesive effort to get them passed.

A review of DEI-related initiatives

As I noted a few weeks ago, we have more employees and students of color now than we did when I began as president of MSU.

More importantly, our programming, facilities, climate and culture are better as we work to close achievement gaps for student groups who have historically graduated at lower percentages than the student body as a whole. We’re also working to become an employer of choice for all.

Sometimes we’ve classified the initiatives that have helped us achieve progress in this area under the “diversity, equity and inclusion” umbrella even though they benefited people of all backgrounds. The Bear Bridge mentoring program is a good example of that.

We have the opportunity over the next few months to review these many, many initiatives to ensure they:

  • Support all our students in a way that continues to help us close the achievement gap.
  • Make us attractive to future faculty and staff.

We’ve already determined very few of our support offerings and programs are exclusive to a particular group of students. Those that are will be modified to be more inclusive.

To be clear, this process will not impact academic programs that focus on diverse topics.  Whether African American Studies or European History, these courses provide our students with the opportunity to become well-rounded citizens.

As we maneuver through this challenging landscape in the coming months, our goal will be to provide a welcoming learning climate where all students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to be successful.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for May 9, 2023

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While there were some who doubted they would meet the 6 p.m. May 5 deadline, the General Assembly completed its work on the FY2024 budget – with plenty of time to spare (about an hour). Next stop is the governor’s desk. Since most of the items in the completed budget were in the governor’s budget, we expect Gov. Mike Parson to sign the bill.

It’s a very positive budget for Missouri State University and all of Missouri higher education. I’m thankful for a governor who is pro higher education. It’s a part of his workforce agenda.

We also have a tremendous local coalition of Senate and House members – both Republican and Democrat – who not only work hard for Springfield, but also for higher education.

DEI update

Thankfully, the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language that was attached by the House to most of the budget bills was eliminated by the Senate budget committee, which is chaired by our own Sen. Lincoln Hough.

He stood firm on principle and guided the committee through a challenging process. He did masterful work in guiding the FY24 budget through the Senate and to the governor’s desk.

The DEI language was not reinstated during the budget conference process between the Senate and House.

Budget highlights

Here are the final details of the budget as they apply to Missouri State:

  • A 7% core increase for all public colleges and universities.
  • An additional 2% core increase to be distributed to public universities through the performance funding formula under development.
  • A $2 million MoExcels grant for a construction education and training hub.
  • An additional $17.5 million for the Center for Transformational Education for Life, Physical and Health Sciences.
  • $75,000 for reimbursement of tuition reductions for veterans.

There’s one week left of the 2023 General Assembly. A lot can happen and very little can happen, depending on the dynamics. We’ll know more about DEI-related bills at the end of next week. I plan to cover that in the May 23 issue of Clif’s Notes.

Attend the Town Hall on May 12

A reminder there is a Town Hall scheduled from 1-3 p.m. May 12 to present the Academic and Enrollment Realignment outcomes. You can attend in person at the PSU Theatre or via Zoom. You can also review FAQs on the Academic Realignment website.

Enjoy President’s Extra Given Day

And finally, since July 4 falls on a Tuesday this year, I thought it would be a good idea to give everyone July 3 off, as well. It will officially be a President’s Extra Given Day. Enjoy the extra time. I appreciate everyone’s hard work.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for April 11, 2023

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In case you’ve been wondering … the General Assembly convenes at the State Capitol in Jefferson City annually on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. It can adjourn no later than May 30, with no consideration of bills after 6 p.m. on the first Friday following the second Monday in May.

So, for 2023, the session began on January 4 and will adjourn at 6 p.m. on May 12. The budget bills must be completed by May 5.

The processes of the Missouri General Assembly can many times seem arcane, but I can tell you that those who need to understand the appropriations process know it inside and out.

It starts with the governor, as you can see below, then it moves through the House. Next, the House hands off to the Senate. The House and the Senate then negotiate the final budget that is sent to the governor to sign. The governor may veto a bill in total, veto line items or allow the bill to pass.

Important things to note

As highlighted above, the budget currently resides in the Senate. Here’s an update on some of the critical pieces.

The House budget continues to include a 7% increase for higher education. However, 5% will be directly allocated and 2% is to be allocated using performance metrics currently being developed. This complicates how we would execute a monthly draw down on those funds so we can pay our bills. We’re working with our friends on the Senate Budget Committee to address this complication.

The bicameral General Assembly comprises a 34-member Senate and a 163-member House of Representatives. Of the 34-members of the Senate, the three members who represent the southwest region of Missouri serve on the 14-member Senate appropriations committee.

They include: Chair Lincoln Hough-30th, Karla Eslinger-33rd and Sandy Crawford-28th, all of whom have credentials from Missouri State University. They have been supportive of the university during this process and in the past.

As a point of reference, state appropriations account for about one-third of the Missouri State $300 million operating budget.

Additionally, the budget as it stands right now continues to include funding for our MoExcels project and the $35 million in capital for science building renovations.

Budget-wise, we think we are in good shape as things stand today. We’ll continue to keep you updated as the budget legislation continues to move through the process.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Jan. 31, 2023

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It’s that time of year when much of our external focus turns to Jefferson City and the legislative session.

The Missouri legislative session began on Jan. 4. There are many opening weeks activities as committee assignments are made, bills are filed and the governor delivers a State of the State Address.

We spend time in the fall developing our legislative plan and priorities. Actions during that time included meeting with Gov. Mike Parson and our legislators to advocate for these priorities.

Our plan for the 2023 session

Our priorities for the university include:

  • A 7% core operating appropriation increase.
  • A $2 million one-time appropriation to establish a construction education and training hub through the MoExcels program.
  • A $17.5 million capital appropriation to partially fund the renovation of Roy Blunt Hall and Cheek Hall.

All three priorities were included in Gov. Parson’s budget recommendations.

The budget will now move to the various House subcommittees and committees before heading to the Senate. The budget must be finalized and sent to the governor by 5 p.m. May 5. We will monitor that process throughout the session.

Additionally, as noted above, there are many bills that are filed. Few actually make it to committees and the floor, but we also closely monitor those that impact the university and higher education.

On the federal side, on Dec. 29, President Joe Biden signed all 12 appropriations bills for FY2023.

These bills included the following appropriations for MSU championed by now retired Sen. Roy Blunt:

  • $35 million for renovations to Blunt Hall, Cheek Hall, and other STEM and health facilities on the Springfield campus.
  • An additional $3 million for endowed faculty chairs in CNAS.
  • $1.5 million for the ASCEND program in West Plains.

The bills also include $2 million for the Brewer Science Annex at JVIC. Now retired Rep. Billy Long championed this appropriation.

I’ll be reporting on our proposed budget for FY2024 in the coming weeks. The actions in Jefferson City directly impact this budget.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Nov. 29, 2022

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In Washington, D.C., Congress will begin a new legislative session on Jan. 3.

In Jefferson City, the General Assembly will begin a new legislative session on Jan. 4.

Preparations for these critical dates are underway.

This week, our federal lobbying team is on campus meeting with the leadership team, discussing projects and other funding proposals, and familiarizing themselves with our operations. Similarly, in two weeks, our state lobbying team will be on campus.

Throughout December, we will finalize priorities, create white papers and other materials, and develop strategies to advocate for MSU in Washington and Jefferson City. We will also meet with legislators to begin laying the groundwork for success in the legislature.

I hope you will join me in advancing MSU’s interests in the state and federal capitols by:

  • Attending the MSU State Legislative Briefing at 10 a.m. Dec. 9 in the Traywick Parliamentary Room (PSU 313). Please email rsvp@missouristate.edu if you plan to attend.
  • Signing up for the MSU Legislative Network to receive updates, talking points, advocacy tips, requests for grassroots help and other information as the legislative sessions in Washington and Jefferson City progress.
  • Emailing president@missouristate.edu if you have specific grant requests, projects for potential funding or other items for which you would like our team to consider advocating.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!